Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 436- 439

 JAMES BALDOCK, well known throughout Wichita Township as one of its retired farmers and capitalists, has his home on section 14, and at present devotes his attention mainly to the loaning of money. He is essentially a self-made man, his only schooling having been obtained at his mother's knee, never having received any other instruction. He was, however, very fond of his books, and by a course of reading has become well-informed, and keeps himself thoroughly posted upon current events. He is a man of cultivated tastes, extremely fond of music, and has produced some fine compositions, adapted to the violin. Upon this instrument he is an expert, as the writer of this biography can fully testify.

             Mr. Baldock came to the State of Kansas in 1871, and pre-empted 160 acres east of the present city of Wichita, which he fenced and planted with trees, and after adding other improvements sold it for the snug sum of $5,000. He subsequently bought another ten acres, to which he secured a clear title, and which he now occupies. He has a beautiful residence surrounded by fruit and shade trees, with ample grounds, and all the other appurtenances of a modern suburban home. In addition to the property already mentioned he is the owner of ten acres in Reno County.

             The early home of our subject was on the other side of the Atlantic, near the town of Kent, in Sussexshire, England, where his birth took place March 17, 1823. This tract of country embraces some of the most fertile soil of the empire, and is celebrated as having originated the famous Southdown sheep, which have become such favorites in this country. The parents of our subject, James and Mary (Simmons) Baldock, were of pure English blood, and also born in Sussexshire, the father in 1795, and the mother in 1800. Both parents died in England, James Baldock in 1884, and his wife, Mary, in 1883. Mr. B. carried on farming and sheep-growing extensively, and was a man of wealth and influence. He was of an old family, and his brothers and sisters were named respectively: Benjamin, Edward, William, Mary, Sarah, Oliver, Thomas, Elizabeth, Robert and James.

             To the parents of our subject there were born seven children, namely: William, Thomas, James, of our sketch, John, Elizabeth, Jabez and Eli. The latter and the only sister, Elizabeth, are deceased. The others are residents of England. James, in common with his brothers, spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, attending the flocks until reaching his majority. Soon afterward, in 1844, he was united in marriage with a maiden of his own county, Miss Amelia Russell, who was born in August, 1823, and departed this life twelve years after her marriage, leaving four children, namely: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Davis Fox, of England; James; Annie, who married Charles Level; and Benjamin, deceased.

             The second wife of our subject was Miss Fanny Smith, also a native of Sussexshire, who became the mother of six children, and departed this life at her home in Minneha Township, in 1881. This lady was a beautiful singer, and sympathized with her husband in his musical and literary tastes. Their children were named respectively: Albert, Flora (now deceased), George, Fanny B., Harry and Ethel M. The children are at home with their father. Mrs. Fanny Baldock was a member of the Church of England, and was forty years of age at the time of her decease.

             Mr. Baldock erected his present dwelling in 1884. He takes satisfaction in the thought that his property is entirely free from incumbrance, and that he has been conscientiously prompt in meeting his obligations. Upon coming to the United States in 1871 he landed first at Quebec, Canada, thence proceeded to Chicago, where, however, he tarried but a brief time, and thence crossed the Mississippi into this State. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen he identified himself with the Democratic party, the principles of which he has since uniformly supported. He possesses all the qualities of the native-born Englishman, not the least of these being his downright honesty, and love of truth and justice. He is the proud possessor of a grandson, little David Fox, a bright boy two years of age.

             A view of James Baldock's property is presented on an accompanying page.

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